Four Main Types of learners

1. Physical (Kinesthetic) Learning

Physical or kinesthetic learners prefer a hands-on experience rather than listening

to lectures or sitting in a class. They like interacting physically with things that are
tangible in nature. These learners could see the idea of studying for hours as a
daunting experience but are better with actually doing things themselves. They
possess qualities like being restless, preferring to get their hands “dirty”, outgoing
and energetic.

Ways to engage physical learners:

Encourage movement within lessons. Example: role play

Give them well-spaced breaks between lessons to move around

Use props and interactive models

Declutter desks to promote better focus

2. Visual (Spatial) Learning

Visual or spatial learners learn best with the help of visual cues like charts,
images, diagrams, graphs, etc. These learners respond best to colours and mind
maps. They use their visual memory to retain information for longer periods of
time. Many visual learners possess characteristics like frequent planning and
doodling, they have a good attention span and are extremely observant, and they
prefer visual directions.

Ways to engage visual learners:

Use maps, diagrams, imagery

Include technology like projectors

Use colour coding techniques

Encourage mind maps and flowcharts

3. Auditory Learning

People who tend to understand and retain information by hearing it or saying it

out loud (oral) are called auditory learners. These types of learners can quickly
notice the change in someone’s pitch, tone, and other voice qualities. They
usually prefer discussing topics, participating in debates, and conversing about
things to remember them. Most auditory learners are easy to distract and might
even hum, sing, or talk to self frequently.

Ways to engage auditory learners:

Try using different pitches and tones while reading the material

Record voice lessons

Encourage class presentations, group discussions, debates

Ask them to teach others verbally

4. Verbal (Read/Write) Learning

These types of learners prefer traditional methods like using multiple written
resources for learning. Verbal learners learn best through written material or by
writing the material themselves. They usually possess a broad vocabulary and
might even like using tools like acronyms, rhymes, tongue twisters, among others.
Verbal learners are known to be bookworms.

Ways to engage verbal learners:

Make use of mnemonics while teaching (song, rhyme, acronym, phrase)

Inculcate scripts

Encourage students to jot down and voice their ideas

Include word games like crossword